The best skirts for hourglass figures—complete with style picks, recommended hem lengths, brand highlights

Why Hourglass Figures Deserve the Perfect Skirt

An hourglass silhouette—balanced hips and shoulders with a narrow waist—is best showcased by skirts that accentuate the waist, skim over curves, and balance proportions. Skirts that cling at the waist and gently open over hips complement natural symmetry beautifully

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Gorjus London

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HALFTEE Layering Fashions

Key hemline rules:

Knee-length or below: knee, midi, or maxi lengths elongate elegantly
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Avoid overly short or boxy styles—they can visually shorten and conceal your silhouette
Bonmarché
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Top Skirt Styles for Hourglass Shapes

Style	Why It Works	Styling Tip
Pencil Skirt	Hugs waist and hips, defines curves Tellar +4 HALFTEE Layering Fashions +4 Tellar +4	Choose slight stretch and tuck tops in
High-Waist A-Line	Emphasizes waist, skims hips	Pair with fitted tops or cropped jackets
Bias-Cut/Slip Skirt	Drapes over curves for fluid silhouette	Stick to midi length for elegance
Fit-and-Flare / Tulip Skirt	Accentuates waist while adding graceful volume	Balance volume with structured top
Full Circle	Highlights waist, adds drama and movement	Keep waistlined, pair with slim top

Recommended Brands & Fit Notes

High-Street Favorites

ZARA – Stylish bias-cut midis & pencil skirts. Varying sizing means credit Tellar before buying
Niki Whittle
+12
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H&M – Jersey and satin A-lines are forgiving, but fit fluctuates by collection—use Tellar for accurate sizing
Bonmarché
+15
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Marks & Spencer – Consistent sizing and generous stretch, ideal for curvy shapes
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River Island – Trend-led wrap and faux-leather skirts are chic but tight in hip area—measure before buying
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+5
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Next – Solid consistent tailoring, including A-lines and wraps in multiple lengths
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Mid-Market & Sustainable Picks

& Other Stories – Pleated wrap and silk midis are luxurious. Provide hip measurements to Tellar first
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Nobody’s Child – Floral midi skirts with elastic waists—natural comfort & shape control
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Baukjen – Stretch pencil and jersey midis are figure hugging yet flexible
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💎 Premium & Designer Selections

Reiss – Sharp, high-waisted pencils & A-lines; go a size up or check via Tellar due to slim cut
The Concept Wardrobe
+10
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Ganni – Bold, wrap and tiered midis with adjustable waists and generous lines
Bonmarché
+5
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Totême – Elegant minimalist shapes for tall hourglasses—midi & maxi lengths fitting precisely
The Concept Wardrobe
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Rixo – Bias-cut silks that glide over curves—hip-fit crucial, so verify exact measurements
Kettlewell Colours
+3
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Zimmermann – Flowy, resort-ready skirts—but EU sizing runs small; convert with Tellar
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+2
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Nanushka – High-waist wrap and structured skirts in vegan leather—precise sizing needed
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Aje – Asymmetrical skirts with generous hip room, ideal for accentuating curves
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Self-Portrait – Architectural lace and mesh pencils; sizing narrow—tell Tellar before buying
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Alaïa – Couture knitted flared designs; extreme precision needed—measurements essential
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Hemline FAQs for Hourglass Shapes

Midi (below the knee): universally flattering—enhances curves and elongates legs
Kettlewell Colours
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Bonmarché
+1
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Maxi: Dramatic, works if your height aligns—tall hourglasses can wear unrestrained volume; petite ones should watch for swamping
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Knee-length: Safe and professional—use in workplace settings
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Avoid high minis: Too short disrupts proportion and draws attention away from waist
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Tellar Fit Insights

Get accurate body measurements — bust, waist, hips, hem preference.
Create a profile on Tellar.co.uk and plug in those numbers.
Browse skirts—Tellar instantly signals your best size per brand.
Check fit notes—e.g., “Reiss skirts run slim at hips” or “Baukjen stretch = true fit.”
Order your free measuring tape—helpful for future purchases.

Start here: Create Your Tellar Profile

Expert Styling Tips

Tuck in tops or style with cropped jackets to keep your waistline visible.
Pick medium-weight fabrics—structured enough to hold shape, soft enough to follow curves.
Use belts—especially on A-lines or tulip skirts to emphasize the waist clear.
Match volumes—flowy skirt? Pair with a fitted tee or blazer. Bodycon? Go longline top.
Balance proportions—if volume is on bottom, keep top sleek and vice versa.

Learn more about waistlines, cropped styling, and volumes in our Cropped vs Long Shirts guide: Cropped vs Long Styling

Why Tellar Makes Skirt Shopping Easy

1,500+ brand database with real garment dimensions.
Real-time size match across dozens of skirt labels.
Free tool, no hidden fees, includes measuring tape delivery.
Unbiased, data-driven fit guidance—no affiliate bias.

Discover more in our sizing tools post: Sizing Tools Explained

Also, for deeper insights on hourglass styles with structured skirts and waist definition, explore: Hourglass Style Guide

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Stay Connected with Tellar

For daily fit fixes, styling ideas, and trusted brand tips, follow us:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing

Final Word

A well-chosen skirt for the hourglass shape is more than fashion—it’s a frame that highlights your natural curves. With tailored styles like pencil, A-line, bias-cut, and midi fit-and-flare, you’ll wear confidence as effortlessly as style. And with Tellar’s sizing tools at your fingertips, you’ll buy every skirt knowing it fits right—every time. Explore Tellar.co.uk, measure once, and unlock the perfect skirt wardrobe today.